AFP denies 'Southern Command' withdrawing support

MANILA --- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)  denied last May 11 a "Messenger" post which claimed that soldiers from "Southern Command" are allegedly withdrawing support to the national government.

"A 'Messenger' post purportedly from the soldiers of the "Southern Command" allegedly withdrawing support to government and President Rodrigo R. Duterte and encouraging other AFP units to follow suit is now circulating in social media," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

"Few people sent it to me to determine its veracity. That is a fake statement. It did not come from the military," he said.

He also clarified that there is no "Southern Command" of the AFP, saying that the post is the handiwork of individuals who intend to sow discord and discredit the military as a professional organization.

Arevalo also assured the public that the AFP will be "united and steadfast" amid such disinformation.

"Your AFP shall and will remain united and steadfast following duly constituted authority and under the Chain-of-Command with the President and Commander-in-Chief on top of the hierarchy," Arevalo said. (Priam Nepomuceno, PNA/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)